Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the largest city in the world. It is often the first stop for tourists who visit Japan. It is divided into Tokyo Metropolis, Greater Tokyo Area and surrounding areas. The Tokyo Metropolis area mainly contains the 23 districts in the center of Tokyo and are home to historical and traditional sightseeing spots. The JR Yamanote Line runs through the heart of the city, making it a useful method of transportation for visitors. The Greater Tokyo Area includes the Tokyo Metropolis area and the surrounding Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures. It mainly covers the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka on the outskirts of Tokyo, Yokohama in Kanagawa prefecture, Enoshima and Hakone in Kamakura, Disney Resort in Chiba, and other popular tourist attractions. The surrounding areas of Tokyo mainly include famous attractions such as Mount Fuji, Izu Atami, Karuizawa, and Nikko.
Within Tokyo, usually 3-5 attractions can be visited per day. Tourists who have extra time and are looking for a unique experience can consider staying in a hot spring hotel in Tokyo too. Additionally, there is a one-day ticket available for sightseeing in Tokyo which is perfect for tourists who plan to visit a lot of different attractions. Within the city, there are two landmark buildings – the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. From the top of the observatory overlooking the buildings of Tokyo, visitors can catch a glimpse of the skyline of the world's largest city, including the colorful streets under the twilight and the flashing billboards as well as the distant Mount Fuji.
Tokyo is a famous shopping capital, and located in Ginza and Omotesando are the world's top shopping malls filled with designer brands. Shinjuku is a gathering place for major department stores in Japan, and Harajuku and Shibuya are the birthplaces of Asia's trend culture and are districts frequented by young people. Another extremely popular attraction in Tokyo is Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, an area that still retains the style of the Edo period. In addition, the Tokyo Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine are the essence of traditional Japanese culture in the city of Tokyo. It is a must for anyone who travels to Tokyo.
Japanese anime is world-famous and Akihabara and Ikebukuro are the center of the two-dimensional world. For this reason, they simply cannot be missed by any anime fans who’d like to catch a glimpse of the latest releases. Cherry blossoms, known as sakura, are an important part of Japanese culture, and in the spring, locals and tourists gather together to enjoy the falling petals. There are more than a dozen spots to view the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, among which are parks such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyo-en. At Ueno Park, locals can be seen sitting under the cherry blossom trees at night. There are many Michelin restaurants in Japan, most of which are located in the Tokyo Metropolis area (including a number of Michelin 3-star restaurants). Also, a variety of world-class dessert shops are located here, so you’re sure to find something to suit your palate. If you like seafood, don’t forget to check out the Tsukiji Market.
There are also many travel hot spots in Tokyo’s surrounding area. Disneyland, located in Chiba prefecture, is Asia's top amusement park. The city of Mitaka is where the animation master Hayao Miyazaki’s Ghibli Museum stands. The Shōnan Coast from Tokyo to Kamakura is the original scene of Slam Dunk, which is full of memories for the 80’s generation. Kamakura is the base of Japan’s historical Shogunate and home to many historic sites and temples. Yokohama is one of the country’s foreign ports, making its scenery unique. In Hakone, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji, but it is also home to a world-famous hot spring resort. When the weather is good, you can see the beauty of Mount Fuji from Owakudani and Ashinoko Lakes as well. The Atami area is home to hot springs and can be reached quickly from Tokyo. In Atami, there are far less tourists when compared to Hakone, ensuring you’ll be able to relax in peace. Mount Fuji is the most well-known scenic spot in Japan. Fuji-Q Highland, built on the hillside, is an amusement park that’s popular with young people. Nikko is one of Japan's world heritage sites and home to the luxurious Tōshō-gū and Tokugawa Ieyasu's Mausoleum, as well as the Nikkō Edo Village theme park that recreates the Meiji Era style. The nearby Kinugawa Onsen is also well-known.
Tokyo is a diversified metropolis and hotels in Tokyo are also abundant. If your budget allows, there’s always the option in staying in a hotel with a high star rating, but affordable business hotels are also worth considering. The Shinjuku and Ikebukuro areas in the city center have many transportation lines and large stations, making them often the first choice for tourists. If you like shopping, Shibuya and Ginza are good choices as well. With limited budget, there are also low-cost homestays in Ueno, Ikebukuro or suburbs. Youth hostels in Tokyo are not only inexpensive, but also provide solo travelers with a chance to make friends. Shinjuku's bustling business district is suitable for shopaholics and those interested in the local nightlife. The nearby Shinjuku Gyo-en is a good place for enjoying the beautiful scenery and Shinjuku station is one of the main transportation hubs in the city. The location is extremely convenient, but hotel prices are more expensive than other areas.
